State 20:

Welcome to the next post in my series highlighting states we have visited throughout the years. I hope you will enjoy coming along for the ride!

I will be featuring the states alphabetically. The next state is

Michigan

Michigan became the 26th state on January 26, 1837. The capital is Lansing. Michigan is the only state with two peninsulas.

Our wandering around Michigan took us to three great lakes, two national lakeshores, huge sand dunes, magnificent waterfalls, a beautiful island with no motorized vehicles allowed, a lock connecting two great lakes, lighthouses, and gigantic cliffs.

Our Michigan journeys included camping in Muskegon State Park on Lake Michigan and in Lakeport State Park on Lake Huron.

Swan in Muskegon ChannelBeach on Lake Huron in Lakeport State Park

We picked a beautiful day to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan.

We had a great view of the Mackinac Bridge from our campsite at Macinaw Mill Creek Campground. The campground was our home base for a visit to Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Bridge at sunsetMama Swan with babies

Mackinac Island Ferry

On the ferry to Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island

Lilacs were blooming at Fort Mackinac

Mackinac Island

After crossing the Mackinac Bridge we spent a few days in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, otherwise known as the UP. We spent a day marveling at the spectacular waterfalls in Tahquamenon (rhymes with phenomenon) Falls State Park.

Upper Tahquamenon FallsLower Tahquamenon-Falls

We drove up to Sault Ste. Marie for a look at the Soo Locks.

Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie

Another day was spent exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Sable FallsMiner’s CastlePictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Our campsite at Porcupine Mountains State Park was right next to the rocky shore of Lake Superior.

I certainly enjoyed this post! Hubby spends a lot of time in Michigan on business, and he has been saying for years that we need to visit in the warm months sometime. Your pictures are wonderful, and it looks like it was a great state to visit, especially in the RV.

If I had to move back to the Midwest, Michigan is the state I’d want. We’ve always enjoyed our visits and Mackinac Island is one of my favorites and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Thanks for taking me back!

I’ve been looking forward to this post, as this is where Diana and I hail from. I’m glad to see the photo of Old Mackinac Lighthouse, Beth; my great grandfather was the general contractor on it back in 1892!

Beautiful! We’ve heard Michigan is a must see for RVers. My dad was from Michigan so I’ve been to Detroit and Dearborn. Never knew there was so much beauty so I’m looking forward to our journey there-maybe this summer. Your post will help us!

Beth, I don’t know if you enjoy historical fiction, but there is a wonderful book, The Loon Feather (by Iola Fuller) that takes place primarily on Mackinac Island in the 1800s. The book was written in the 1940s and was likely geared toward young girls, but it’s a good story and gives a real flavor of what the island must have been like in its heyday.

We are hoping to head through this area next fall. Thanks for all this info. I hadn’t even started to think about where to try booking reservations. I’ve heard it’s getting tougher and tougher up there because it’s so popular. I’m hoping if we wait til mid September or so, it won’t be quite as crazy. We’ll see. Anyway, beautiful photos!

I am a 60 Michigan native who recently moved to southern California. The fall can offer some amazing colors in Michigan. The state has a site called Pure Michigan which might help you with booking dates.

Most ”tourist” activity, slows down after Labor Day weekend.

Just wanted to throw in my two cents worth, if it is of any help. 😀 ren

Hey – thanks, yes, it’s very helpful! I’ll check out that site as we get more into planning. I am definitely glad to be looking at the period after Labor Day to visit. I have a feeling everything will be crazy up until then. Thanks again for the info!

I grew up in Michigan so I have been looking forward to this post. Michigan really is beautiful during the spring and summer but I don’t recommend it in the winter time! Great pictures — thank you for the nice memories!

I am a Michigander of 60 years. You hit some of the wonderful highlights and yes, the fall color can be spectacular!

Should you ever go back and want to visit another island, check out Isle Royal.

Four months ago, I uprooted and relocated to southern California. I miss the beauty of Michigan. I do not miss her bitter winters.
Thank you for this wonderful post. You did a grand job, capturing the essence of MI.
ren

Hi! Found your blog through searching WordPress, what a great post! I’m a Michigander and it’s always a pleasure to see/read about others enjoying this beautiful state! Looks like you had quite the trip and got to see a lot of the highlights, nice review!
Chelseahttp://www.thebiglakemi.com